Who Is Cooper Rush?
Cooper Rush is a veteran NFL quarterback who has built his career as a reliable backup and spot starter. Born on November 21, 1993, in Charlotte, Michigan, Rush is 32 years old and stands 6-foot-3. He played college football at Central Michigan before entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2017.
Rush became best known during his time with the Dallas Cowboys, where he stepped into the starting lineup when Dak Prescott was unavailable. His ability to manage games and protect the football helped establish him as one of the league’s more experienced backup quarterbacks.
In 2026, Rush added another chapter to his career by joining the Atlanta Falcons.
Cooper Rush Falcons Update
Cooper Rush is currently a member of the Atlanta Falcons. The team signed him on July 29, 2026, during training camp. Atlanta added Rush after releasing Trevor Siemian and dealing with uncertainty around its quarterback room.
The timing of the move was important. Michael Penix Jr. was still recovering from his ACL injury and had not been cleared for full team participation, while Tua Tagovailoa was also dealing with a minor injury at the beginning of camp.
Rush therefore gives Atlanta an experienced option behind its primary quarterbacks.
The Falcons’ official roster lists Rush as quarterback No. 13, at 6-foot-3 and 224 pounds, with Central Michigan listed as his college.
Cooper Rush Contract
Rush signed with Atlanta in 2026 on a one-year contract worth $1.3 million, according to Spotrac. His reported 2026 base salary is $1.3 million, with a listed salary-cap hit of approximately $1.075 million.
That is a relatively modest investment for a quarterback with significant NFL experience.
His value comes from more than his salary, however. Rush has appeared in 42 regular-season NFL games and has made 16 starts during his career.
For Atlanta, the contract provides veteran depth without requiring a major financial commitment.
Cooper Rush Teams
Rush has played for three NFL franchises during his career:
- Dallas Cowboys
- Baltimore Ravens
- Atlanta Falcons
Dallas was by far his longest NFL stop. He entered the league with the Cowboys in 2017 and spent most of his first eight NFL seasons with the organization.
Rush later signed with Baltimore in free agency before joining Atlanta in 2026.
His career path demonstrates the importance of experienced backup quarterbacks. Although he has rarely entered a season as a projected starter, he has repeatedly remained in demand because of his familiarity with NFL offenses and his previous starting experience.
Cooper Rush Cowboys Career
Rush’s NFL career began with the Cowboys in 2017. He initially served as a developmental and backup quarterback.
His opportunities increased when injuries created openings in Dallas’ quarterback room.
The 2022 season was particularly important for Rush. He went 4-1 as a starter while Prescott was injured, helping Dallas remain competitive during the regular season.
In 2024, Rush again received an extended opportunity. He started eight games and finished the season with a 4-4 record as a starter. He threw for 1,844 yards, 12 touchdowns and five interceptions.
That season reinforced his reputation as a capable backup who can handle meaningful NFL snaps.
Cooper Rush Ravens Career
Rush left Dallas and joined the Baltimore Ravens in 2025.
He appeared in four games for Baltimore during the 2025 season, making two starts. He completed 34 of 52 passes for 303 yards, with no touchdowns and four interceptions.
Baltimore ultimately released Rush in March 2026 after the team brought back Tyler Huntley. The move cleared salary-cap space while allowing the Ravens to adjust their backup quarterback situation.
His Ravens tenure was therefore brief compared with his time in Dallas.
Cooper Rush NFL Stats
Through the 2025 season, Rush had appeared in 42 NFL games, including 16 starts.
His career regular-season passing numbers include:
| Stat | Career |
|---|---|
| Games | 42 |
| Starts | 16 |
| Completions | 364 |
| Attempts | 596 |
| Completion rate | 61.1% |
| Passing yards | 3,766 |
| Passing TDs | 20 |
| Interceptions | 14 |
| Passer rating | 80.7 |
These figures show why Rush has remained a valuable backup. He has enough starting experience to provide stability when a team’s primary quarterback is unavailable.
Cooper Rush 2024 Stats
Rush’s 2024 season with Dallas was one of his most productive NFL campaigns.
He played in 12 games and started eight. He completed 187 of 308 passes for 1,844 yards, averaging 60.7% completions. He also threw 12 touchdown passes and five interceptions.
His 4-4 record as a starter was another notable part of the season.
While those numbers were not superstar-level production, they were valuable for a backup quarterback thrust into a starting role.
Cooper Rush 2025 Stats
Rush’s 2025 season with Baltimore was considerably smaller statistically.
He played four games and made two starts. His final numbers were:
- 34 completions
- 52 attempts
- 303 passing yards
- 65.4% completion rate
- 0 passing touchdowns
- 4 interceptions
His passer rating was 48.8.
Rush eventually moved into an emergency role after Baltimore turned to Huntley.
What College Did Cooper Rush Attend?
Cooper Rush attended Central Michigan University, where he played for the Chippewas.
He became one of the most productive quarterbacks in school history. Central Michigan lists Rush among its career leaders in passing touchdowns and passing yards. The school’s profile credits him with 9,354 passing yards and 67 touchdown passes during his college career.
Rush also enjoyed a strong 2015 season. He completed 324 of 489 passes for 3,848 yards and 25 touchdowns, earning second-team All-MAC honors.
His college production helped him earn an opportunity in the NFL despite going undrafted.
Cooper Rush NFL Draft
Rush was undrafted in the 2017 NFL Draft.
The Cowboys signed him as an undrafted free agent, giving him the opportunity to compete for a roster spot.
That path is significant because Rush went from an undrafted quarterback to an NFL veteran with more than 40 regular-season appearances.
His career is an example of how quarterbacks can develop outside the highly drafted prospect pathway.
Why Did the Falcons Sign Cooper Rush?
Atlanta’s decision to sign Rush was largely about quarterback depth.
The Falcons entered training camp with uncertainty surrounding the health and availability of their quarterbacks. Penix was recovering from an ACL injury, while Tagovailoa was temporarily sidelined at the beginning of camp.
Rush provides something the Falcons’ younger quarterbacks cannot easily replicate: years of NFL game experience.
He has started games, played in pressure situations and spent years working within NFL offensive systems.
Is Cooper Rush a Starter or Backup?
Rush is primarily viewed as a backup quarterback.
However, his career shows that he can start when needed. He has made 16 regular-season starts and owns a 9-7 record in those games.
That experience makes him more than a traditional third-string quarterback.
For Atlanta, his role could change depending on injuries, preseason performance and the development of the team’s other quarterbacks.
Cooper Rush’s Role With Atlanta
Rush enters a Falcons quarterback room that includes Tagovailoa, Penix and rookie Jack Strand. The team’s official roster lists all four quarterbacks.
At this stage, Rush’s most likely role is veteran depth and insurance.
He can also provide competition during training camp and preseason. Because he has significant regular-season experience, the Falcons can trust him to operate an NFL offense if circumstances require it.
Final Thoughts
Cooper Rush has taken an unusual route to becoming a nine-year NFL veteran. After going undrafted out of Central Michigan, he spent most of his career with Dallas before short stints with Baltimore and Atlanta.
His career numbers—3,766 passing yards, 20 touchdowns and 14 interceptions through the 2025 season—reflect his role as a backup quarterback who has occasionally been asked to start.
In 2026, Rush is with the Atlanta Falcons on a one-year, $1.3 million contract. His experience could be particularly useful for Atlanta as the team manages an unsettled quarterback situation during training camp.
FAQs
Who is Cooper Rush?
Cooper Rush is a veteran NFL quarterback who currently plays for the Atlanta Falcons. He previously played for the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens.
What team is Cooper Rush on in 2026?
Cooper Rush is on the Atlanta Falcons in 2026. Atlanta signed him on July 29, 2026.
How much is Cooper Rush’s contract?
Rush’s reported 2026 contract with Atlanta is a one-year deal worth $1.3 million.
What college did Cooper Rush attend?
Rush attended Central Michigan University and became one of the school’s most productive quarterbacks.
What are Cooper Rush’s career NFL stats?
Through the 2025 season, Rush had 364 completions on 596 attempts for 3,766 yards, 20 touchdowns and 14 interceptions in 42 games.
What teams has Cooper Rush played for?
Rush has played for the Dallas Cowboys, Baltimore Ravens and Atlanta Falcons.
Was Cooper Rush drafted?
No. Cooper Rush went undrafted in 2017 before signing with the Dallas Cowboys.
How old is Cooper Rush?
Cooper Rush was born November 21, 1993, making him 32 years old as of August 2026.
